Thick vines and jungle mist cloaked the forest like a second skin. Chosa moved silently, crouched beneath a low branch as he peered through the dense greenery. Just ahead, nestled between ancient trees and overgrown stone walls, stood a gigantic stone door, easily twice his height. Etched into it were faded runes, pulsing with a faint crimson hue, as if alive.
And in front of it stood two figures.
The first was a woman—tall, poised, and cloaked in silver-black armor that shimmered despite the dim light. A large kite shield rested on her back, and a sleek silver blade was drawn at her side. Her black hair fell past her shoulders, and her amber eyes swept the area like a predator searching for a heartbeat. She looked calm… but dangerous. The kind of calm that came right before someone got sliced in half.
Next to her was a man in flowing dark purple robes, trimmed with streaks of white. He had wild, curly hair that bounced with each step, and round glasses that constantly slid down his nose. Unlike his companion, he gave off an oddly cheerful and carefree aura—his robes swaying like he was humming a tune no one else could hear.
They weren't fighting. They were just… standing there. Waiting.
Chosa whispered, "Luna, scan them. I need to know what I'm walking into."
A soft pulse emanated from his interface.
"Scanning… the woman appears to be highly trained. Elevated vitals, precise breathing, focused aura—definitely combat-capable. Danger level: high."
Chosa squinted at her, not surprised.
"The male… curious. Aura reads powerful, but emotional patterns suggest playfulness. Likely a support-class or a mage-type. Danger level: medium—but unknown potential."
He took a breath. "Great. One deadly blade and one unpredictable wizard. Just what I needed."
Still, curiosity got the better of him. Adjusting his grip on the dagger, Chosa rose from cover and stepped out slowly from the brush, trying not to look threatening.
But before he could even say a word—
SHHINK!
The woman turned, fast as a whip, sword drawn and aimed straight at his chest. Her amber eyes narrowed, voice sharp as steel:
"Stop. Another step and I cut you down."
Chosa froze mid-step, hands raising slightly. "Hey—easy! I'm not here to fight. Just another Raider trying to clear Floor Two."
For a moment, tension hung in the air like a guillotine.
Then the man beside her casually leaned forward, placing a single hand on her armored shoulder. "Relax, Cass. He doesn't look like much of a threat."
The woman, now revealed as Cass, hesitated for a heartbeat before slowly lowering her blade. Her eyes never left Chosa.
The robed man stepped forward with a grin. "You'll have to forgive her. She's got a thing about sudden appearances. My name's Theo, and this mood lighting? Not really helping."
He extended a gloved hand toward Chosa.
Chosa blinked, surprised by how normal the guy sounded. "Uh… Chosa. Nice to meet you."
They shook hands briefly.
Cass finally sheathed her blade, though she kept a hand near the hilt.
Theo gestured toward the enormous stone door behind them. "We were about to enter. This bad boy's the Mini Boss chamber. Heard it shifts its form depending on how many people go in. Kind of… temperamental."
"Mini Boss?" Chosa repeated. "So this is it…"
"Yep," Theo said, adjusting his glasses. "Floor Two's little test. You alone?"
Chosa nodded. "So far."
Theo scratched his chin. "Interesting. Most solo Raiders get chewed up before reaching this point. You must have skills—or luck."
Cass crossed her arms. "Or he's another idiot wandering into death."
Chosa gave a dry chuckle. "Bit of both, probably."
Luna chimed in privately: "Proceed carefully, Chosa. They may still be evaluating your usefulness—or threat."
Theo stepped aside, motioning toward the door. "We were waiting for a third. But hey, maybe fate sent us you instead."
Chosa narrowed his eyes. "You're inviting me to team up?"
Theo smiled. "Why not? The door won't open unless at least three enter. And I have a feeling you're not as average as you look."
Cass let out a quiet sigh but didn't object.
Chosa looked between them, then at the door.
The air around it pulsed again… and somewhere beyond, he could feel something waiting.
"Alright," he said, gripping his dagger. "Let's see what Floor Two has in store."